The FAMU Rattlers football team (5-5/3-3 SWAC) faced a bitter defeat against the Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) Delta Devils (1-10/1-6 SWAC), losing 24-21 in a Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) matchup. This loss marks the Rattlers' first home loss in 23 outings, and their first back-to-back losses in conference play since 2018.
The defeat also signifies a historic moment for MVSU, as it is the first time in program history that the Delta Devils have triumphed over the Rattlers.
The Rattlers got off to a bad start trailing the Delta Devils 24-10 at the half, but seemed to regained some momentum in the second half after a strong defensive performance. The Rattlers scored 11 unanswered points, hinting at a potential comeback. However, critical mistakes and wasted timeouts overshadowed their efforts.
A fumbled snap by quarterback Daniel Richardson proved to be pivotal in the final minutes of the game allowing the Delta Devils to regain possession and run out the clock.
Overall, Richardson completed 18 of 24 passes for 259 yards and a touchdown, but the turnovers ultimately cost the Rattlers dearly.
The Rattlers outgained the Delta Devils 431-341 in total yardage, including a significant 172-90 advantage on the ground, yet they struggled to capitalize on their opportunities.
Special teams were particularly problematic for FAMU, starting with a muffed punt by freshman punter Gunnar Trout, which allowed MVSU to score their first touchdown and tie the game at seven. Additionally, placekicker Cameron Gillis missed a critical 36-yard field goal, leaving three points unclaimed that could have altered the game’s outcome.
"The end of the day, we leave the stadium ... not good enough. We got to make some hard decisions internally," said Head Coach James Colzie, reflecting on the team's performance. He emphasized the need for improvement, noting, "A lot was lost in the football game today. Not taking care of the football, penalties, not being as good as we needed to be."
With this defeat, the Rattlers' record now stands at 5-5 for the first time since 2018, a stark contrast to their prior seasons. The team will aim to end the season on a high note when they face their arch-rival Bethune-Cookman in the annual Florida Classic. The Rattlers will need to address their special teams woes and tighten their play if they hope to secure a victory in their season finale.